Library Faculty (E-31A)
Original Implementation: 1970
Last Revision: April 19, 2011
Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) provides for advancement based on a librarian's or an archivist’s academic credentials and experience, professional performance, contributions to the university community and the profession of librarianship, and service to the general community.
Rank
The ranks consist of Librarian I, II, III, and IV, and Archivist I, II, III, and IV, with IV being the highest. These ranks do not apply to administrative positions.
Criteria for Appointment
A master's degree in library science from a school accredited by the American Library Association is required for appointment. The Master of Library Science and Master of Library Information Science are the terminal degrees for librarians.
A Master of Arts degree in public history with an archival studies concentration is required for appointment as archivist.
Criteria for Tenure and Promotion
Librarians are eligible for tenure and promotion according to university policies and procedures. Archivists are eligible only for promotion.
To be promoted to the rank of Librarian II or Archivist II, an individual shall have a proven record of effective and productive performance. Individuals can apply for the rank of Librarian II or Archivist II without being at the rank of Librarian I or Archivist I for a specified period of time.
To be promoted to the rank of Librarian III or Archivist III, an individual shall have a proven record of effective and productive performance. The individual shall also have made significant professional contributions to the academic and general communities through presentations at professional meetings, professional publications, or service to library organizations. A Librarian II or Archivist II must have held that rank for at least three years before applying for promotion.
To be promoted to the rank of Librarian IV or Archivist IV, an individual shall have a proven record of substantial contributions to the profession recognized at the state and national levels. A Librarian III or Archivist III must have held that rank for at least three years before applying for promotion. Additionally, to be promoted to Archivist IV the individual must have successfully passed the Academy of Certified Archivist Examination.
Tenure and Promotion Procedures
An applicant for tenure or promotion shall prepare a portfolio that documents all relevant years of university service. The portfolio shall contain a current vitae, a completed Promotion/Tenure Application form, and supporting materials.
Each portfolio shall be reviewed by a panel of not less than five librarians or archivists of a higher rank. If fewer than five individuals hold a higher rank, the director of libraries shall appoint the remaining members of the panel from academic faculty of comparable rank.
The associate director shall evaluate each portfolio and forward it, along with a recommendation, to the director of libraries. The director of libraries shall evaluate each portfolio and forward it, along with a recommendation, to the provost and vice president for academic affairs.
The provost and vice president for academic affairs shall submit to the president the portfolio and a recommendation on tenure and/or promotion for each candidate. The president shall make a recommendation on tenure and/or promotion to the Board of Regents.
Annual Evaluation and Compensation
Librarians and archivists shall be evaluated annually according to university policies and procedures. These evaluations shall constitute the basis for merit pay consideration, when available. Librarians and archivists accrue vacation and compensatory time.
Work Load
Librarians and archivists receive twelve-month contracts, except tenured librarians employed prior to April 21, 1998, who have elected to receive ten-and-one-half month contracts.
Library Academic Advisory Council
The Library Academic Advisory Council (LAAC) advises the director of libraries on matters regarding librarians and archivists. The LAAC shall be composed of five librarians/archivists, each with at least two years of service at SFA. Members shall be elected in September by all librarians and archivists and shall serve two-year staggered terms. The individual serving as the Faculty Senate representative is an ex-officio member of the LAAC if not an elected member. The LAAC shall elect its own chair who shall be responsible for calling at least one meeting each regular semester.
Rights and Responsibilities
Librarians and archivists have the same rights and responsibilities as academic faculty. They are eligible for service on the Faculty Senate and university committees and are eligible for faculty development leave. Librarians and archivists may also apply for grants, fellowships, and research funds.
Cross Reference: Faculty Handbook; Academic Promotion (E-3A); Tenure (E-50A); Performance Review of Officers Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs (E-38A); Academic Appointments and Titles (E-1A)
Responsible for Implementation: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Contact for Revision: Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Forms: None
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs